PORTLAND, Ore. - Billy Grier is not coming home to coach Oregon State's basketball team.

Grier announced Thursday afternoon he's decided to stay at the University of San Diego, where he led the Toreros to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in his first year as coach. 

"I have decided to stay at USD because I strongly feel in my heart that this is what is best for me and my family right now," he said.  "USD is a great place and I look forward to working with our staff and players to continue building on what we have started here."

The announcement is a major setback for Oregon State, which had hoped to have a new coach in place this week.  Grier emerged as the front-runner on Tuesday after St. Mary's coach Randy Bennett pulled his name out. 

Grier grew up in Cottage Grove and graduated from the University of Oregon.  Before taking over at San Diego last year, he spent 15 seasons as an assistant with Gonzaga University.